Fresh Food
Contents
Eastern Market
Metro-Detroiters have been buying fresh produce from Eastern Market, the largest open air market of its kind in the country, since 1891. Open to the public year round on Saturdays from 5am - 5pm and on Tuesdays from 11am - 6pm July through September, the market can attract as many as 40,000 visitors each week. Under the management of the non-profit Eastern Market Corporation, recent years have seen a greater focus on locally-grown produce and locally-produced specialty food items like jams, bagels, and sausages.
Neighborhood Markets
Detroit also has a number of smaller neighborhood markets selling fresh, locally-grown produce. Most accept cash or a Bridge Card. For a complete list of individual markets, visit detroitmarkets.org.
CSAs
Looking for a Detroit-based CSA (Community Supported Agriculture)? Sign up with these local farmers for regular access to fresh produce throughout the growing season.
- ACRE
- Rare and heirloom varietals of organic produce
- Contact ryananderson@gmail.com
- Brother Nature Produce
- Fresh, seasonal veggies and salad greens
- Contact Greg Willerer at (313) 914-0031
- Food Field Detroit
- Fresh, seasonal veggies. More info here.
- Contact peckproduce@gmail.com
Grown in Detroit
The Grown in Detroit cooperative provides support to urban growers to bring their produce to sell at Farmers’ Markets, restaurants and other retail outlets across the city. Support these local growers by patronizing the restaurants on this list: Media: GID-Dining-Guide_spring-2012.pdf
Gardens
Detroit has a long history of neighborhood renewal and the cultivation of individual well-being through urban gardening. Today there are well over 1,000 vegetable gardens throughout the city. If you're looking for help, as an individual or community organization, in getting your garden started or keeping it going, the Greening of Detroit's Garden Resource Program can help. Participants "receive resources including seeds and Detroit grown transplants and become part of a growing network of gardeners and advocates working to promote and encourage urban agriculture and a thriving local food system in the City."
Farms
Larger-scale urban agriculture is on the rise in the city. The following farms may or may not welcome drop-in visitors, though many could often use an extra set of hands during the growing season. It's a good idea to contact each before visiting.
- ACRE
- Brother Nature Produce
- Detroit Market Garden
- D-Town Farm
- Earthworks
- Food Field
- Hope Takes Root
- Spirit of Hope
Food Security/Food Justice
The following organizations are actively working toward a future in which all Detroiters have access to fresh, healthy food nearby. Their work is informed by the Detroit Food Security Policy.